Kinshasa, May 7th, 2026 (CPA).– The Minister in charge of Sports of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) stated that the six gold medals won by Congolese athletes are not merely trophies but symbols of the nation, during a Thursday audience granted to the national wrestling team (Léopards Lutte) after the 2026 African Championship held from April 26th to May 6th in Alexandria, Egypt. “These six gold medals are not just trophies; they are a symbol of the DRC. I also inform you that your case will be personally submitted to the highest authorities,” said Didier Budimbu. According to the minister, the objective is to allow the champions to present their medals to the country’s top sports authority, President Félix Tshisekedi.
The delegation displaying their trophies
If this meeting is confirmed, it would be “a fitting reward for these athletes who, despite preparation challenges, managed to make the Congolese anthem ‘Debout Congolais’ resonate on Egyptian soil,” the Sports Minister emphasized. Upon their arrival from Alexandria, where the competition took place, the Léopards Wrestling team headed to the Ministry of Sports in a motorized parade. It should be recalled that Congolese wrestlers secured a total of 16 medals, including 6 gold, 1 silver, and 9 bronze at the African championship.